I’m not so sure why avoiding mistakes has become so important. Making mistakes is seen as the opposite of being successful. However, when I am being honest with myself, I learn much more from mistakes than when things go as planned.

I’ve also found that many times, when I’ve avoided doing something it is because I am afraid I will fail. There have been many times when I’ve had an idea that I didn’t pursue only to see someone else take a similar idea and turn it into significant success.

So, don’t be afraid. Make mistakes, fail fast, learn lots. Then pick yourself up and try again. It’s likely the fastest way to succeed.

]]>http://the-career-forge.com/?feed=rss2&p=13420http://the-career-forge.com/?p=1342Do You Feel Lucky?http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheCareerForge/~3/KjOW96WLOWg/
http://the-career-forge.com/?p=1339#respondFri, 24 Jul 2015 13:03:07 +0000http://the-career-forge.com/?p=1339Continue reading →]]>LUCK? “Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.” ~Serena Williams

“We often daydream, and think, and plan. But the only thing that gets results is action. Not a single ounce of greatness in history ended with thoughts. It happened with hands. With actions.” ~James Altucher

Yesterday, I ran into someone that was complaining about their lack of opportunity.

“Sam was given this great project. Jennifer must have a rich uncle. I wonder who Bill knows that helped him become head of the section?” They went on and on about how they weren’t as lucky as the people they envied.

I’ve always believed people create their own luck by knowing what they want, working hard, and being ready when opportunities happen. This afternoon I found this blog post from James Altucher. He and Serena Williams have much the same belief. As successful as both of them are, it’s hard to argue.

There is a need to daydream think and plan. Without them, you’d never know what you wanted. However, once you know, don’t wait for it to appear wholly formed at your fingertips. It never will. Instead, take what you have in front of you and mold it into the opportunity you want.

This past week I caught myself falling into the “Blanket My Donkey” mentality (our term for CYA). A couple of issues were brought to my attention and followed up by descriptions of how our team could not have been responsible. It wasn’t until my supervisor asked me if there was a way we could help with the resolution that I realized I’d been caught. Beware! Pointing fingers and blame-ducking are highly contagious!

The worst part about seeking fault is that even if we find it, we still have the problem. When I remember to seek remedy rather than fault, I’ve found I expend less energy, issues get resolved faster, and people get along better. It’s a win-win-win!